This Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum is a sweet treat that combines juicy strawberries with creamy layers. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for warm days!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but munch on those fresh strawberries from the bowl. They’re simply irresistible! I love serving it chilled for a refreshing dessert. 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: They are the star of this dessert, adding sweetness and a fruity flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different taste.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives a rich and creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese could work. For a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan cream cheese.
Whipped Topping: I love Cool Whip, but homemade whipped cream can be a great substitution too. Just whip heavy cream until soft peaks form for a fresher taste. If you go this route, sweeten it lightly with powdered sugar.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This mix helps thicken the pudding layer quickly. If you don’t have it, you can make a homemade custard with milk, sugar, and cornstarch, though it will take longer to prepare.
Graham Crackers: They create a delicious crunchy crust. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, crushed gluten-free cookies or nuts can be used instead.
How Do I Make a Perfect Graham Cracker Crust?
Creating the graham cracker crust is a simple but key step. It needs to be firm enough to hold the layers above. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. A flat-bottomed glass works well for this.
- Make sure the crust is even and slightly compact, so it doesn’t crumble when serving.
Letting the crust chill a bit in the fridge while you prepare other layers helps it set even better. Enjoy the tasty crunch in every bite!
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 (9 oz) package of graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (16 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
For the Topping:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Extra fresh strawberries, for decoration
- Crushed graham crackers, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll mix and layer the ingredients, and then it needs some time to set up before you enjoy it. So, it’s an easy and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar together. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a nice, firm crust.
2. Cream Cheese Layer:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will make a deliciously rich layer!
3. Fold in the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to stir too hard—just combine until it looks nice and fluffy. Spread this creamy layer evenly over your graham cracker crust.
4. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
In a different bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Continue whisking until it thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Spread this thick pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Add the Strawberries:
Now, layer the sliced strawberries over the pudding layer. Make it colorful and fun!
6. Top with Whipped Topping:
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the strawberries. This adds a beautiful finish and makes it extra special!
7. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for a little crunch and decoration. You can also add extra fresh strawberry slices to make it look even more appealing if you like!
8. Chill:
Cover your dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until it’s set. This waiting time is important, so be patient—it’s worth it!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice into the chilled yum yum and savor every bite of this delicious treat. Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Yum Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before slicing. Keep in mind that they may be a bit softer than fresh strawberries, so your final dish might have a slightly different texture.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made up to a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. I’ve found that allowing it to chill overnight helps the flavors blend beautifully!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert may soften a bit, but it will still taste delicious! Just scoop out what you need and enjoy it chilled.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you could use a thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it can still create a delightful dessert!
